9 Most Haunted Places in Indianapolis, In

Beneath the bustling cityscape of Indianapolis lie stories that send shivers down the spine, tales that turn skeptics into believers. The Circle City harbors dark corners and historic edifices where the past lingers in the form of ghostly apparitions and mysterious occurrences. Thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts flock to these locales, eager to encounter the supernatural elements that haunt the Hoosier capital.

If you are doing any kind of paranormal investigation here, you might want to take a look at our ghost hunting equipment list. Locations like this get a reputation because they are high activity and you don’t need much to see for yourself.

Allison Mansion

The Allison Mansion in Indianapolis casts a long shadow over the history of Indiana’s capital, a testament to the industrial prowess and personal legacy of James Allison, a titan in the burgeoning realms of automobiles and aviation in the early 20th century. Allison, whose hands steered the wheel of progress, decided to anchor his dreams in the form of an opulent residence, built upon land he acquired in the 1900s.

As the mansion took shape, it became a monument of grandeur, a reflection of Allison’s influence and affluence. However, behind the stately walls and beneath the ornate ceilings, whispers of the supernatural began to percolate, suggesting that Allison’s spirit, or those of his kin, remained tethered to the earthly plane.

Over the years, the mansion’s reputation as a haunted haven grew, with tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena becoming as much a part of the estate as its architectural features. Staff and visitors have reported eerie sensations, the feeling of being watched by unseen eyes, and the sound of footsteps echoing through empty halls. Some have even claimed to see the spectral figure of Allison himself, perhaps overseeing his domain from beyond the grave, ensuring his legacy never fades into the abyss of time.

The Allison Mansion, now a part of the Marian University campus, stands as a beacon to the curious and a playground for paranormal enthusiasts who seek to peel back the veil between the living and the dead. While the mansion opens its doors to the public, those who enter should be wary, for they might just find themselves face-to-face with the past, their visit turning into a waltz with the whispers of yesteryear.

In the heart of Indianapolis, the Allison Mansion continues to be a cornerstone of haunted history, its tales as enduring as the stone and mortar from which it was crafted. Whether one believes in the ghosts that allegedly roam its corridors or not, the mansion undoubtedly remains an indelible part of Indiana’s spectral lore.

I was walking past the old Allison Mansion one evening when I saw a faint glow in the upstairs window, like someone was up there wandering around, even though the place was supposed to be empty. Gave me the creeps for sure.

Hannah House

The Hannah House in Indianapolis, Indiana stands as a monument to both historical benevolence and eerie hauntings. Built in 1858 by Alexander Hannah, the stately residence became a beacon of hope for many slaves seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad. As a clandestine stopover, the Hannah House played a pivotal role in guiding countless souls northward to the promised land of Canada, far from the shackles of bondage in the pre-Civil War United States.

However, the house’s walls are steeped in more than just the echoes of liberty. Whispers of a tragic accident haunt the mansion’s lore, where it’s said that a group of fugitive slaves, hidden in the basement, met their untimely demise. A clandestine lamp, their only source of light in the pitch-black bowels of the house, was accidentally overturned, sparking a fire that consumed everything in its path, including the lives of those hidden away. The fire was quickly extinguished to avoid drawing attention, and the charred remains were purportedly buried beneath the floorboards.

The guilt and sorrow from this tragedy seem to have seeped into the very fabric of the house, with many visitors reporting unsettling experiences. Cold spots, inexplicable sounds, and ghostly apparitions are the hallmarks of the Hannah House, turning it into a magnet for those who chase the whispers of the past.

The spirits that roam the Hannah House are not just figments of the imagination; they are as much a part of the home as its foundations. Tales of phantom footsteps echoing through the halls and disembodied voices that cut through the silence are common. The scent of burning wood occasionally permeates the air, a ghostly reminder of the lives lost in the flames.

Today, the Hannah House opens its doors to the public, offering a glimpse into its storied past and inviting the brave to come and uncover the truth behind its spectral residents. Whether one is a history buff or a seeker of the supernatural, the Hannah House serves as a testament to the enduring spirits of those who once sought refuge within its walls—and perhaps never left.

They say that late at night in the Hannah House, you can hear the soft whispers and cries from the basement where a bunch of runaway slaves tragically died in a fire. It’s super creepy, like they’re still down there, waiting to be found.

Indiana Central State Hospital

The old Central State Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, carries a chilling legacy that has tantalized and intrigued paranormal investigators for years. Once a sprawling complex dedicated to treating mental illness, the hospital, which opened its doors in 1848, now stands as an eerie monument to the past. Over the decades, the hospital’s reputation was tarnished by tales of overcrowding, neglect, and harsh treatments, making it fertile ground for stories of restless spirits and unexplained phenomena.

Among the most avid seekers of the supernatural are Maggie Zoiss and her husband, founders of the Indiana Paranormal Investigative team. They have explored the desolate halls and abandoned buildings of the former hospital, where whispers from the past seem to echo off the walls. Their experiences at Central State Hospital have convinced them that the veil between the living and the dead is thinner here than anywhere else.

The hospital’s haunted history is not just hearsay; it is a patchwork quilt of personal accounts, patient records, and the indelible marks left by those who once resided there. The facility, which was once the last resort for those suffering from mental illness, became known as a house of horrors, where treatments could be as painful as the conditions they were meant to cure. The lobotomies and electroshock therapies administered within these walls still seem to reverberate in the form of disembodied voices and spectral sightings.

The crumbling edifices themselves serve as a synecdoche for the myriad of untold stories, symbolizing the collective suffering and secrets held within. It’s a place where the past lingers, refusing to be forgotten, and where shadows are believed to move of their own accord. The Zoisses have reported hearing voices begging for help or crying out in despair, sounds that send shivers down the spine and make one’s blood run cold.

The remnants of the Central State Hospital now beckon to the living, daring them to uncover the mysteries that lie within. It’s a site where history is palpable, and the air is thick with the presence of those who once called it home. The whispers of Central State are a siren call to the curious, inviting them to look beyond the veil and confront the echoes of its troubled legacy.

I heard that the old Central State Hospital is super creepy, with ghostly whispers and shadows lurking around every corner since way back when it was packed with patients. Some say if you wander those abandoned halls, you might bump into a lost soul or two still hanging around from the old days.

Rivoli Theater

The Rivoli Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana, stands as a beacon for both entertainment enthusiasts and ghost hunters alike. Built in 1927, this grand establishment, designed by the esteemed architect Henry Ziegler Dietz, boasts a façade of Indiana limestone, sweet gum woodworking, and leaded glass windows, all underpinned by the theatre’s reputation as a haunted hotspot.

Tales of the Rivoli Theatre’s spectral residents have been the talk of the town, with rumors circulating that the building rests on top of burial plots. While most of the apparitions are described as benign, theatergoers and staff whisper about a particularly cantankerous spirit, referred to as the “grumpus,” who shares the space with its more amicable counterparts.

One of the most captivating stories involves a life-saving event where the ghosts supposedly intervened. According to local lore, these otherworldly inhabitants are not just idle spectators; they are guardians of the living, with one account detailing how their presence alerted a person to danger, thus averting a potential tragedy.

The ghosts at Rivoli Theatre are often seen as theatre groupies, forever longing for the drama and applause, and they forever claim the best seats in the house. These spirits seem to relish in their eternal residency, making their spectral appearances part of the venue’s unique charm.

Today, the Rivoli Theatre’s haunted reputation is a significant draw for many, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already captivating historical site. Whether visitors come for the architecture or the chance to brush shoulders with the other side, the Rivoli Theatre stands as a monument to both Indianapolis’s cultural heritage and its ghostly tales.

I heard that one night at the Rivoli Theater, some ghostly figure pushed a guy out of the way of falling debris, like it was looking out for him or something. People say that place is haunted, but with friendly spirits, except for one they call the “grumpus” who’s a bit of a grouch.

Indiana Repertory Theatre

The Indiana Repertory Theatre in Indianapolis, a beacon of culture and performance, also harbors a spine-chilling past that whispers through its ornate corridors. This grand institution, a cornerstone of the city’s art scene, has been the stage not only for actors but also for spectral presences that seem to cling to the velvet curtains and creaky floorboards.

The theatre’s haunted history unfurls like a ghostly script, with tales of unexplained phenomena that have both staff and patrons looking over their shoulders. One of the most notorious spirits is believed to be that of a stagehand who, long ago, met his untimely demise in the theatre’s upper reaches. His ghostly presence often plays the role of an unseen performer, with reports of tools moving of their own accord and strange shadows flitting through the wings.

Another spectral inhabitant is a former actress, whose love for the stage was so strong that not even death could draw the final curtain on her performances. She is said to take her ethereal bow in the balcony, her faded apparition occasionally glimpsed by the living, a lingering testament to her undying passion for the theatrical arts.

The Indiana Repertory Theatre, a hallowed hall of storytelling, serves as a home to these restless spirits. Their tales are as much a part of the theatre’s fabric as the productions that grace its stage. The building’s haunted history is not just a series of eerie anecdotes but a living legacy of its rich and vibrant past, where the echoes of yesteryear’s drama play on in the present day.

As the curtain rises on each new performance, the ghosts of the Indiana Repertory Theatre continue to tread the boards, forever enacting their spectral scenes in the grand playhouse of the supernatural. And while their presence may send shivers down the spine, it is also a reminder that in this theatre, every show, alive or otherworldly, is part of the ongoing story of Indianapolis’s historic heart.

I heard that the old Indiana Repertory Theatre is haunted by a stagehand who never left; tools move on their own and you can catch glimpses of shadows where no one’s standing. They say there’s also an actress who loved the stage so much, she still hangs around, giving the performance of an afterlifetime.

The Slippery Noodle Inn

The Slippery Noodle Inn in Indianapolis, Indiana, stands as a beacon of the supernatural, its walls echoing with a history as rich as it is eerie. Erected around 1850, this brick establishment has been the cornerstone of the community, shifting its shape to meet the ever-changing demands of its patrons. Initially a swanky roadhouse and bar for weary railroad travelers, The Slippery Noodle Inn quickly became a melting pot for the city’s diverse desires and pursuits.

The Inn has witnessed the gamut of human experience, from the clinking glasses of German immigrants finding solace in camaraderie to the hush-hush dealings of Prohibition’s clandestine clientele. The building’s colorful past is not without its dark chapters; whispers of a makeshift graveyard in the basement send shivers down the spines of those who dare to tread its lower depths.

Former employees, long since off the payroll, are said to still roam the premises, their spectral forms caught in a loop of eternal labor. It is as if the very fabric of the Inn has become a tapestry woven with the threads of their undying dedication.

Bold and brash as brass, the Slippery Noodle Inn’s naughty past is no skeleton in the closet; it’s the heart of its haunted reputation. The ghosts of yesteryear, eternally clocked-in, provide a chilling reminder that some parts of history refuse to be buried. These lingering spirits have turned the Inn into a hotbed of paranormal activity, drawing both thrill-seekers and skeptics alike.

In the daily hustle and bustle, the Inn serves up a symphony of great music and hearty bar fare, yet the echoes of its sordid history never seem to fade away. As night falls and the last notes of the blues guitar wail into the silence, one cannot help but feel the gaze of invisible eyes, witnessing the latest chapter in this storied establishment.

The Slippery Noodle Inn is more than just Indianapolis’s oldest commercial building; it’s a living legend, its walls telling tales of transgression and transcendence—a true ghostly gallery where the past is always present.

I was chilling at the Slippery Noodle Inn one night when I saw a ghostly figure glide through the bar, disappearing right where the old speakeasy used to be – gave me the heebie-jeebies!

The Indianapolis Athletic Club

The Indianapolis Athletic Club stands as an imposing edifice in Indianapolis, Indiana, with its origins tracing back to the roaring 1920s. Over the years, the club has not only been a bastion for athletic pursuits but also a vessel for spectral lore. Among the whispered tales, the most gripping is the haunting by a firefighter’s restless spirit.

This spectral firefighter, it is said, met his untimely demise in a tragic incident within the club’s walls in 1992. Ever since then, his ghost has reportedly been on a tireless vigil, making nighttime an eerie experience for those who slumber within the building. Guests have recounted being roused from their sleep by an unseen presence, as if the fireman is still sounding the alarm, urging them to wake up and escape an invisible blaze.

The club’s haunted reputation has not just been a story passed around in hushed tones; it has become an indelible part of its identity. The spirit of the late fireman is said to linger on, eternally on duty, a sentinel bound to the place of his last call. For those who dare to visit, the Indianapolis Athletic Club is more than a historical landmark; it is a nexus where the veil between the past and the present seems to thin, a place where echoes of old can still be heard in the dead of night.

I heard that back in ’92, a firefighter died in a fire at the Indianapolis Athletic Club, and now his ghost keeps roaming the halls, spooking guests by making them feel like they gotta get out fast, as if the fire’s still burning. Some nights, it feels like he’s right there, nudging you awake, making sure you’re safe.

Wheeler-Stokely Mansion

In the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana, lies the Wheeler-Stokely Mansion, a grandiose estate that whispers tales of the supernatural. This stately home, now part of the Marian University campus, was once the private residence of Frank Wheeler, one of the four founding partners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Built in 1911, the mansion’s history is as rich as the wood paneling lining its opulent halls.

After changing hands several times, the Wheeler-Stokely Mansion found its way into the embrace of Marian University in 1963. Since then, students and staff have reported uncanny occurrences that hint at a presence lingering beyond the veil. These are not mere bumps in the night; the mansion seems to be a hive of paranormal activity, where echoes of the past come to life.

Those who have walked the corridors of the Wheeler-Stokely Mansion speak of footsteps with no source, doors that swing open as if ushered by unseen hands, and windows that slam shut with a force that defies the stillness of the air. Some have even claimed to see the ghostly figure of a woman, her visage etched with eternal sorrow, wandering the grounds as if searching for something—or someone—she lost long ago.

The stories have become a patchwork quilt of legend and speculation, a colorful narrative that students wrap around themselves on crisp autumn evenings. The mansion stands as a silent sentinel, its secrets locked within walls that speak in creaks and sighs. To this day, the Wheeler-Stokely Mansion serves as a storied chapter in the university’s history, a chapter that some might say is still being written by invisible hands.

Whether one believes in the tales of the Wheeler-Stokely Mansion’s haunted halls or chalks it up to overactive imaginations, the mansion’s allure is undeniable. It remains a monument to the past, its legacy forever intertwined with the vibrant life of Marian University. The mansion’s haunted history is an indelible part of the university’s identity, a mystical allure that continues to captivate the curious and the brave.

One night, I was studying alone in the mansion when I heard footsteps upstairs, but when I checked, no one was there. Another time, a window slammed shut out of nowhere, and it totally freaked me out.

Paul Ruster Park Cemetery

In the heart of Indianapolis lies Paul Ruster Park Cemetery, a place shrouded in supernatural whispers and eerie tales. According to local legend, the ghostly presence of a little boy haunts the area, his life cut tragically short by a train accident on the tracks adjacent to the park. Visitors and nearby residents have reported hearing the melancholic sounds of a harmonica, a haunting melody that seems to float through the air, carrying the sorrow of the young spirit.

The little boy, often referred to as the “harmonica-playing ghost,” is said to wander the paths of Paul Ruster Park Cemetery and sometimes even along the roadway, his spectral figure almost as real as the living souls who visit. The ghostly music, a signature of his presence, tugs at the heartstrings of those who hear it, a sonic reminder of the life that was lost so young.

Despite the spine-chilling nature of this tale, the park continues to draw the curious and the brave, those hoping to catch a glimpse or a note of the otherworldly. The story of the harmonica-playing ghost stands as a testament to the park’s haunted reputation, a piece of local folklore that keeps the memory of the young boy alive in the whispers of the wind.

Whether one believes in the paranormal or not, the story of Paul Ruster Park Cemetery serves as a macabre attraction for those looking to explore the mysteries that lie beyond the veil. To this day, the question remains: Is this place truly haunted, or are the tales nothing more than a product of the imagination, a spooky yarn spun to send shivers down the spine? The harmonica’s tune seems to suggest the former, inviting the daring to discover the truth for themselves.

I once heard this kid’s harmonica playing clear as day at Paul Ruster Park Cemetery, gave me the chills ’cause they say it’s that poor boy’s ghost from the train accident. It was so eerie, like he was right there beside me, but when I looked around, nobody was there.